McRae opts to go back to school

CORNISH Pirates front rower James McRae has taken the opportunity to forgo this season and accepted a teaching role at his former school, Eton College in Windsor, writes Phil Westren.

With there a level of uncertainty as to if or when the 2020/21 RFU Championship season will commence, 24-year-old McRae felt it was an opportunity that he could not turn down, but he intends to return to West Cornwall for the 2021/22 campaign.

“As time has gone on and the rugby season has been pushed back at each stage, a job came up at my old school which was totally unexpected and a real opportunity,” he said. “It was something to give serious consideration to, and after the RFU meeting about the league was pushed back in early November I made the choice to forgo this season and accept the teaching role.

“This certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one which I hope will serve as a good chance to refresh from rugby before - fingers crossed - coming back to it next season when we can hopefully have crowds at the Mennaye and enjoy the game we love.”

McRae added: “Massive thanks are expressed to Becki, the coaches, backroom staff, and players for their support with the decision, as well as over the last couple of years of being a Pirate.”

In two seasons dual-registered with Exeter Chiefs, McRae made a total of 33 appearances for Pirates before signing a two-year contract with the club back in May.

Cornish Pirates’ CEO Rebecca Thomas said: “I know this was a really tough decision for James who has been a real asset to our squad over the past two years.

“However, with no rugby for the past nine months and no official start date, the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience in a first-class setting is one too good to turn down for him.

“We fully support his decision to take this time out from professional rugby to develop his teaching career and, hopefully, we will see him back at the Mennaye again very soon.”